What Makes a Good Leader? Ask Uncle Sam
by Tim Knox
Published on this site: August 4th, 2005 - See
more articles from this month
What do the major generals who are leading the war efforts
in Iraq have in common with executives and entrepreneurs who
are conducting business back home? When it comes to leadership,
the answer is probably a lot more than you think.
In a recent study conducted by the Army War College, subordinates
of the major generals who are leading the war efforts in Iraq
were asked to rate the performance of their superiors.
The survey revealed that the best leaders:
- Keep cool under pressure
- Clearly explains the missions, sets standards and priorities
- See the big picture; provides context and perspective
- Make tough, sound decisions on time
- Adapt quickly to new situations; can handle bad news
- Give useful feedback; sets a high ethical tone
- Are positive, encouraging and realistically optimistic
According to retired Gen. Walter Ulmer, coauthor of the study,
"The study showed that even when tactical and technical
competences are excellent, interpersonal skills are critical."
What's that? People skills are critical in fighting a war?
General Patton must be spinning in his four-star grave.
According to Ulmer the survey revealed that it is easier
to teach technical skills than to teach people how to gain
trust and build teams. In other words, trained tacticians
are important, but the worth of a true leader may best be
measured by how he leads, motivates, and treats his troops.
The study further showed that many key behaviors these generals
exhibit were learned by example. Their former superiors displayed
people skills and whether intended or not, taught those skills
to their subordinates. This means that good leaders produced
good leaders. I'm sure the flipside is just as true. Bad leaders
often produce the next generation of bad leaders. We see it
in business everyday. The recent rash of corporate scandals
didn't just involve the bad guys at the top. They often involved
subordinate executives who were following the leader's example
and carrying out his not-so honorable plans.
Not surprisingly, the same traits found in the generals leading
the effort in Iraq are the same traits found in many successful
executives and entrepreneurs.
Keeps cool under pressure
Contrary to what many believe, being an entrepreneur is not
always a walk in the park. There is constant pressure coming
from many fronts. Pressure to make a sale, to meet payroll,
to keep the doors open, to keep the employees in line, and
on and on. The best entrepreneurs learn to thrive under pressure.
Pressure becomes a motivator, not a detractor.
Clearly explains missions, sets the standards and priorities
Successful entrepreneurs understand that the organization
runs smoother, better, faster if everyone is on the same page.
A good leader makes sure his subordinates understand the mission
at hand. He makes sure that everyone understands the expectations,
goals and objectives. He shares his vision and lays out the
plan of attack.
Sees the big picture; provides context and perspective
Many executives and entrepreneurs can not see beyond the edge
of their desk. Great leaders not only see the big picture,
they make sure their team sees it, as well. They share their
vision and perspective for the long haul, not just the battle
being waged today.
Makes tough, sound decisions on time
One trait of the successful entrepreneur is the ability to
make decisions soundly and quickly. You must weigh your options
and choose a direction with minimal consideration time. Procrastination
has no place in battle or in business. Procrastinating entrepreneurs
will quickly become someone else's procrastinating employees.
Adapts quickly to new situations; can handle bad news
In business some days are diamonds and some days are coal.
Successful entrepreneurs are prepared to deal with the day
no matter what it brings. They do not stick their heads in
the sand and wait for the bad news to go away.
Gives useful feedback; sets a high ethical tone
A good leader listens more than he speaks. He takes input
from the team and makes decisions based on that input and
his own expertise. He sets the example that he expects his
team to follow.
Is positive, encouraging and realistically optimistic
A good leader never lets his team see him sweat. He does not
broadcast his negativity because he knows negativity is contagious
and will spread faster than the plague. A good leader encourages
his team to perform no matter the odds. He is the positive
force that keeps everyone motivated to win.
Every entrepreneur should take a lesson from these generals,
as should every corporate executive. I'm sure it would cut
down on the time many of them are now spending in the stockade.
Tim serves as the president and CEO of three successful
technology companies and is the founder of DropshipWholesale.net,
an online organization dedicated to the success of online
and eBay entrepreneurs.
Related Links:
http://www.prosperityandprofits.com
http://www.dropshipwholesale.net
http://www.timknox.com
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